2026-2027 Nursing Undergraduate Catalog

UNDERGRADUATE CATALOG 

2026 - 2027

___________________________________________

Published by St. Thomas University,

College of Nursing

Miami Gardens, Florida

The programs, policies, requirements, and regulations published in this catalog are subject to change as circumstances may require.

COLLEGE OF NURSING

Dean of Nursing: Dr. Nashat Abualhaija

Academic Credentials: Ph.D. in Nursing (Barry University); MSN (University of Pheonix); BSN (University of Alabama at Birmingham).

Contact Information: 305-474-6025; nabualhaija@stu.edu

At STU, each student is a unique, integrated, holistic human being who is influenced by the complex interaction of biological, psychological, developmental, sociological, economic, and cultural elements as part of a multicultural society. As a nursing student, you will be challenged to acquire scientific knowledge base and critical thinking skills of the discipline of nursing, incorporate professional nursing behaviors, develop technical and decision-making skills, embody ethics into your practice, and gain awareness of self and others’ value systems as part of STU’s faith-based professional education. This will require hard work and commitment on your part, but it will be a remarkable and rewarding journey that you will treasure for a lifetime. 

Program Faculty: Program Director: Professor Pauline Louis

Faculty: Marie Bertrand-Felix, Osvaldo Santiestevez, Pauline Louis

BACHELOR OF ARTS (BA) IN NATURAL SCIENCES: NURSING PATHWAY 

(Delivery Location: Main Campus) 

Program Coordinator: Cassandra Graham, MA

Academic Credentials: MBA, (St. Thomas University)  

Contact Information: 305-474-6880; cgraham5@stu.edu 

Program Advisor(s): Cassandra Graham

Program Description: The first two years of the program at St. Thomas University (Freshman and Sophomore years) prepare the students to apply for admission to the BS in Nursing Program. Coursework includes a rigorous curriculum in science, humanities, and liberal arts with an emphasis on critical thinking and the application of scientific methods as well as informed and ethical decision making. Students will be exposed to the disciplines of biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and healthcare. 

Students who do not transition into the BS in Nursing Program will need to complete 120 credits to earn a BA in Natural Sciences: Nursing Pathway or choose another major.

ST. THOMAS UNIVERSITY GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS 

Flowing from its mission, St. Thomas University’s General Education Requirements allow students to select from a broad range of courses to facilitate “lifelong and value-oriented education.” To satisfy the General Education Requirements, students must take the following courses.  The requirements and outcomes are the same regardless of the mode of delivery of the program. 

Pathway Program       59 credits

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS (GER)  36 credits 

The following two general education courses are recommended for the BSN program.

The following general education courses are St. Thomas University graduation requirements:

 MAJOR PREREQUISITES FOR NURSING                           31 credits 

If the student is electing not to move to the BSN and chooses to complete the Bachelor of Arts in Natural Sciences                                     120 credits

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS                                                  24 credits 

 Take 12 credits (Level 200 or higher) from:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Mathematics
• Computer Science
• Natural Science
• Physical Science

Take 12 credits (Level 200 or higher) of major electives as approved by an advisor.

Program Student Learning Outcomes – General Education: Upon completion of the general education requirements, regardless of mode of delivery, students have accomplished the following: 

1. Through English - Students will effectively improve reading abilities and integrate critical reading skills in the writing process, including the completion of research papers that incorporate scholarly source materials from the University library and its databases. 
2. Through Humanities – Students will develop an appreciation for artistic production such art, film, literature, and others. 
3. Through Mathematics – Students will be able to apply quantitative reasoning to represent and model real-life scenarios and use this type of reasoning as a problem-solving strategy and make informed decisions. 
4. Through Natural Sciences – Students will demonstrate knowledge of basic concepts in the natural sciences. They will be able to use the scientific method to make observations, formulate hypotheses, design experiments, and arrive at conclusions based on observation and experimentation. 
5. Through Physical Sciences - Students will demonstrate knowledge of basic concepts in the physical sciences. They will be able to use the scientific method to make observations, formulate hypotheses, design experiments, and arrive at conclusions based on observation and experimentation. Students will demonstrate an understanding of fundamental terms and concepts of computing, modern technology, and theory of computation 
6. Through Social Sciences – Students will examine the organization, functions, and processes of social institutions across a range of historical periods, social structures, and cultures. 
7. Through Religious Studies (STM) – Students will develop and understanding of faith, religion, and theology, reflecting on their practical implications, and studying religious responses to human questions about life’s meaning 
8. Through Ethics - Students will develop theoretical and practical knowledge to distinguish between what can be done and what may be done regarding human behavior. 

Program Student Learning Outcomes Assessment – General Education: Means of assessing the GER include:  

1. Assessing the General Education Requirements as a whole and the value of its components to the overall educational experience. 
2. Additional assessment measures including standardized testing and faculty review of student materials. 
3. Additional assessment of General Education Requirements, under the purview of the director, must include faculty, student, and administrative participation. 

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (BS) IN NURSING 

(Delivery Location: Main Campus) 

Program Director: Pauline Louis, MSN-Ed, RN

Academic Credentials: MSN, Nursing Education (Barry University); BSN (Florida Atlantic University); ASN (Miami Dade College). 

Contact Information: (305) 474-6848; plouis@stu.edu 

Program Advisor(s): Marie Bertrand-Felix, Pauline Louis 

Program Description: The Bachelor's in Science in Nursing Program (BSN) is designed to prepare students to become nurses who will be ethical leaders and providers of high-quality healthcare. The program promotes cultural competency, scientific knowledge, and evidence-based practice in nursing as well as interdisciplinary research.  Clinical practice components are included in a variety of healthcare settings. Students are also prepared for advancement to graduate programs in nursing. Upon graduation, the students are eligible to sit for the RN licensing examination (NCLEX).  

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS: Students will be eligible for admission to the BSN program after meeting the following criteria: 

1. Minimum achievement of 3.0 cumulative college GPA 
2. Satisfactory completion of an Introduction to Health Science course 
3. Grade C+ (GPA of 2.33) or higher for general education courses 
4. Grade B- (overall science GPA of 2.67) or higher for science courses with a maximum of one repeat.  
5. TEAS exam taken at STU with 60% passing 
6. ATI TEAS scores taken within the last 2 years for transfer students to ensure applicant readiness and currency of skills

7. Potential transfer (AA) students must take a standardized admission exam (TEAS Exam) for the nursing program. Students must pass the TEAS with a minimum composite score of 75% and a science sub-score of 75%.

8. Only on-ground testing accepted; no remote/online proctored TEAS 

9. Students may be interviewed at the discretion of the College of Nursing.

10. All students admitted into the BSN program must enroll in the ATI Nursing Academic Readiness program and complete it within the first half of the first semester.

Satisfactory Academic Progress: Students must maintain a semester C+ or higher and a 2.33/4.00 GPA at St. Thomas University (STU) to remain in the BSN program. Students may not transfer in any courses after matriculation to the STU. Students may repeat no more than one (1) course for grade replacement.  

BS IN NURSING__________________________________126 credits 

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS (GER) 28 credits 

The following two general education courses are recommended for the BSN program. 

The following general education courses are St. Thomas University graduation requirements:

MAJOR PREREQUISITES ____________________________        31 credits 

 Program Student Learning Outcomes: The General Education learning outcomes for the BSN program will be the same as those defined college-wide for all undergraduate programs currently offered at STU. The upper division for the program will focus on critical thinking, serving diverse clients, leadership skills, and advanced nursing competencies required by the Florida Board of Nursing and applicable to nursing professional standards.  The following is the list of learning outcomes (SLOs) for the graduates of the new BSN program:   

1. Demonstrate the integration of philosophical and theoretical principles of the art and science of nursing to create a caring environment for diverse patients, families, and communities.  (AACN 2021, Domain 1 and Domain 5)

2. Incorporate teaching, learning, and evaluation concepts in developing individualized health plans that meet the cultural and individual needs of patients, families, and communities. (AACN 2021, Domain 3 and Domain 7)

3. Demonstrate ethical and transformative leadership to promote a quality, safe and cost-effective health care environment for individuals, families and communities.  (AACN 2021, Domain 2 and Domain 6)

4. Demonstrate professionalism in the care of patients, in inter-professional education, and in collaborative practice. (AACN, 2021, Domain 9)

5. Demonstrate the ability to advocate for transformation in the health care delivery system that is responsive to sustain health care outcomes at local, regional, state, national and global levels.  (AACN, 2021, Domain 9)

6. Assume accountability for one’s own professional development, lifelong learning and scholarship, and the advancement of the nursing profession.  (AACN 2021, Domain 9 and Domain 10)

7. Employ information technologies to manage knowledge, disseminate information, and promote decision-making in nursing practice. (AACN 2021, Domain 9 and Domain 10)

 Program Student Learning Outcomes Assessments: 

1. Formative and summative faculty developed assessments for all courses, simulation labs and clinical courses throughout the BSN program. 

2. Preceptor assessment of student performance. 

3. The nursing program requires that all pre-licensure baccalaureate students demonstrate content mastery in the discipline. The nursing program Pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at St. Thomas University utilizes an integrated approach to testing and assessment. The NCLEX exam will be used as an assessment tool.

Graduation Requirements: In addition to the usual undergraduate graduation requirements, this program has the following graduation requirements: 

1. Successfully completed the required general education, prerequisite, nursing courses, and nursing clinical courses.

2. Maintain a minimal overall GPA of C+ (2.33/4) to graduate. 

3. Be in good standing with the university. 

RN to BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING 

(Delivery Location: Online) 

Program Director: Julie Menendez, MSN, ARNP, FNP-BC, CPN 

Academic Credentials: MSN, Family Nurse Practitioner (Florida International University); BSN (Florida International University); AA (Miami Dade College). 

Contact Information: 305-628-6559; JulieMenendez@STU.edu  

Program Advisor(s): Julie Menendez

Program Description: The RN-to-BSN track is for applicants who have completed an Associate of Science (ASN) degree nursing program and seek to earn the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Plans of study are designed to facilitate consistent progression on a full-time or part-time basis to fit the RN’s work schedule. 

GENERAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS: Applicants for the program must provide: 

1. A completed and signed Application for Admission. 

2. One of two entry pathways: 

   1. Licensed RNs: Students who already hold an RN license have been approved by the Florida or Georgia Board of Nursing to sit for and pass the NCLEX.  
   2. Graduates of Florida or Georgia Board of Nursing-Approved and regionally accredited ASN Programs (not yet licensed). These students may be conditionally admitted to the RN-to-BSN program, contingent upon:  
3. Verification that their ASN program has regional accreditation and is approved by the Florida or Georgia Board of Nursing
4. Successful completion of the NCLEX-RN and obtaining a valid RN license prior to progressing past the first term of coursework.

5. Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher from an approved program. 

6. Active and unencumbered Florida or Georgia RN license. 

7. Official college and/or university transcripts from all previously attended institutions, including the institution where the degree was conferred, which must come from an institution with accreditation.  
8. All foreign applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Standard testing generally used for this purpose by St. Thomas University will apply.  
9. To utilize VA benefits, veterans are advised to communicate with our VA Benefits Administrator. 

*If a student submits unofficial transcripts with the application for admission, that student is conditionally admitted and is required to provide 1) official transcripts and 2) proof of a valid and correct RN license by the end of their first term for evaluation. Failure to do so will result in an admission hold, barring progression within the program.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: In addition, applicants for the program must provide: 

1. Must show proof of current CPR awarded by the American Heart Association. 
2. Must show proof of current immunization, yearly Influenza vaccine prior to experiential learning, and fees may apply. 
3. Successfully pass a Level II background check with an agency appointed by the University at students’ expense, and fees may apply. 
4. Students are required to carry personal, medical, and hospital insurance, and fees may apply. 
5. Students must show proof of NSNA membership (or membership to any other nursing organization) throughout the program, and fees may apply.

RN to BSN MINIMUM COURSE REQUIREMENTS                           120 Credits 

Credits granted with R.N. License                     60 credits 

CATHOLIC IDENTITY              3 credits 

*REL 2300 World Religions which must be taken at STU.

*This fulfills the Introduction to Catholicism requirements for RN-BSN students only.

DIVERSITY                         3 credits  

Take 3 credits from courses identified as Diversity courses. This can be satisfied with PHI 3633 Biomedical Ethics which must be taken at STU.  

*Additional fees for courseware may apply. 

These GER Requirements are considered progressional requirements.  Missing some of these courses will not deter from admission to the program, but they must be completed before the end of the program.  

In specific instances, the following must be completed before a given NUR course:   

Applied Statistics must be completed before NUR 416.  Anatomy & Physiology II with lab and Human Growth & Development must be completed before NUR 418. 

Elective          3 credits

*Additional fees for courseware may apply. 

**This fulfills the Introduction to Ethical Leadership requirements for RN-BSN students only.  

***This fulfills the Diversity requirements for RN-BSN students only. 

Students are required to complete 80 precepted experiential learning hours (NUR 420 = 50 hours; NUR 419 = 30 hours). Students must complete their independent experiential learning hours with an appropriate preceptor once approved by the program director, clinical coordinator, and/or course instructor.

The Program Student Learning Outcomes: 

Upon completion of the RN to BSN degree, an individual will be able to: 

1. Demonstrate the integration of philosophical and theoretical principles of the art and science of nursing to create a caring environment for diverse patients, families, and communities.  (AACN 2021, Domain 1 and Domain 5)

2. Incorporate teaching, learning, and evaluation concepts in developing individualized health plans that meet the cultural and individual needs of patients, families, and communities. (AACN 2021, Domain 3 and Domain 7)

3. Demonstrate ethical and transformative leadership to promote a quality, safe and cost-effective health care environment for individuals, families and communities.  (AACN 2021, Domain 2 and Domain 6)

4. Demonstrate professionalism in the care of patients, in inter-professional education and in collaborative practice. (AACN, 2021, Domain 9)

5. Demonstrate the ability to advocate for transformation in the health care delivery system that is responsive to sustain health care outcomes at local, regional, state, national and global levels.  (AACN, 2021, Domain 9)

6. Assume accountability for one’s own professional development, lifelong learning and scholarship, and the advancement of the nursing profession.  (AACN 2021, Domain 9 and Domain 10)

7. Employ information technologies to manage knowledge, disseminate information, and promote decision-making in nursing practice. (AACN 2021, Domain 9 and Domain 10)

Graduation Requirements: In addition to the usual undergraduate graduation requirements, this program has the following graduation requirements: 

1. Completion of General Education Requirements 

2. Successfully complete RN to BSN curriculum 

3. Successfully complete experiential learning hours and required skills. 

4. Maintain a minimal overall GPA of B (3.00/4) to graduate. 

5. Be in good standing with the university.